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Boston Celtics: 3-and-D players Cs should pursue this summer

By Chris Conte

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against the LA Clippers during the first half of game three of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center on June 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 24: Torrey Craig #12 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot against the LA Clippers during the first half of game three of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center on June 24, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics 3-and-D target No. 2) Garrison Matthews

The Washington Wizards were one of the most inconsistent and frustrating teams to watch at times this past season.

Some nights they were clicking on all cylinders while others they couldn’t hit open shots or guard a parked car.

Their roster was inherently flawed and not built for high-level success, but the coaching did them no favors either.

It would be an understatement to say Scott Brooks had one of, if not the worst coaching season in the NBA this year.

His rotations were awful, his schemes were worse, and he made no effort to adjust from game to game as the Wizards dropped in the Eastern Conference standings.

If not for Beal nearly winning the scoring title, Westbrook going vintage, and Washington’s GM fleecing the Bulls for a defensive anchor, Scott Brooks wouldn’t get an interview for an NBA coaching vacancy after this season.

One of the biggest problems with Scott Brook’s rotation was playing Raul Neto over Garrison Matthews.

Neto, who is a fine backup point guard, did not give the Wizards what they needed. Washington’s starting five had practically no spacing outside of Beal and Bertans, and instead of bringing Matthews off the bench first to alleviate this problem, Brooks stuck with the lesser talent but more experienced Neto.

Even though Scott Brooks is not going to return to the Wizards, it is unlikely Garrison Matthews re-signs with the franchise after being cut out of the rotation so often throughout the season.

Instead, Matthews and his agent will look to find a team that can offer a more significant role, a substantial sum of money, and short-term security.

The Boston Celtics are one of these teams that can offer Matthews all three.

Udoka could make good use of his 6-5, 215-pound frame and safe instincts on the defensive end off of the bench.

He’s no All-Defense candidate, but Matthews is a clear positive on that end and can contribute. On offense, the Cs can run the 38.9% career 3-point shooter around the court to free up space for the Jays to operate.

His volume will double, and his percentage will increase due to the number of open shots he will be gifted.

Garrison Matthews is 24 years old and has just two seasons of NBA experience under his belt.

He has remained in the NBA by signing two two-way contracts with the Washington Wizards in 2019 and 2020, which means it won’t take much money to sway Matthews in the Celtics’ direction.

Stevens can get away with offering him a two-year, $6 million deal with both years guaranteed on top of promising a more significant role and no more DNP’s so long as he performs.

Matthews is a cheap and low-risk, high-reward signing that the Boston Celtics should consider this summer.